Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for the Simultaneous Determination for Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde by Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

We have developed the liquid chromatography – ultraviolet adsorption detector (LC/UV) , mass spectrometry (LC/MS) , and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis methods for the simultaneous determination of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in drinking water. Furthermore, 15 organizations have conducted a validation test to confirm the validity of the analytical methods. Recovery tests of these chemicals spiked into drinking water samples distributed to each organization were performed for two set points; the standard value and 1/10 of the standard value for formaldehyde in the Japanese Waterworks Act. The linearity of the calibration curves, selectivity, accuracy (recovery) , repeatability, and intermediate precision for each chemical were calculated using the data of the recovery tests. The linearity of the calibration curves and selectivity were satisfactory for both chemicals. The accuracy, repeatability, and intermediate precision for both chemicals obtained by the recovery tests satisfied the criteria in the guideline for the validation of testing methods for drinking water, which has been specified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. Therefore, we concluded that the analytical method developed in the present study is valid for the analysis of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in drinking water.